Errors linked to medication management in nursing homes: An interview study Mariette Bengtsson (
[email protected] ) Malmö University Ann-Britt Ivarsson Ekedahl Malmö University Karin Sjöström Malmö University Research Article Keywords: Delegation, Medication management, MTO concept, Nursing home, Safety Posted Date: March 4th, 2021 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-270710/v1 License: This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Read Full License Page 1/17 Abstract Background: The number of errors in medication management in nursing homes is increasing, which may lead to potentially life-threatening harm. Few studies on this subject are found in the municipal nursing home setting, and causes need to be identied. The aim of this study was to explore perceptions of errors connected to medication management in nursing homes by exploring the perspective of rst-line registered nurses, registered nurses, and non-licensed staff involved in the care of older persons. Methods: A qualitative research approach was applied based on semi-structured interviews with 21 participants at their workplaces: Seven in each of the occupational categories of rst-line registered nurses, registered nurses and non-licensed staff. Subcategories were derived from transcribed interviews by content analysis and categorized according to the Man, Technology, and Organization concept of error causation, which is as a framework to identiy errors. Results: Mistakes in medication management were commonly perceived as a result of human shortcomings and deciencies in working conditions such as the lack of safe tools to facilitate and secure medication management. The delegation of drug administration to non-licensed staff, the abandonment of routines, carelessness, a lack of knowledge, inadequate verbal communication between colleagues, and a lack of understanding of the diculties involved in handling the drugs were all considered as risk areas for errors.